Provincial parks to close due to storm

AMHERST – All provincial parks in Nova Scotia, including camping, beach parks, day-use parks and the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, will be closed to the public because of severe weather conditions expected from Tropical Storm Arthur.

All provincial camping parks and beach parks will be closed at 5 p.m. today, July 4. On Sunday, all parks will be re-evaluated for damage and safety concerns on a case-by-case basis before a decision is made to reopen.

The day-use parks will close at dusk tonight and may reopen some time on Sunday based on storm damage assessment.

The provincial wildlife park will be closed Saturday, but will reopen Sunday at 9 a.m. as usual.

"We take public safety very seriously especially when the forecast calls for high winds and storm surge from the expected storm," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill.

Full refunds will be given for camping park cancellations because of Tropical Storm Arthur. All campers with reservations will be contacted by the park reservation agency to arrange refunds. Campers may consider rebooking a campsite for another day.

Public notice of park reopenings will be provided online at www.novascotiaparks.ca, via Twitter @DNRNovaScotia, and through media updates.

The Emergency Management Office is working with the Canadian Hurricane Centre, Environment Canada and other partners on the storm, gathering potential municipal impacts, identifying local risk areas and conducting information sessions with provincial and municipal emergency management officers and co-ordinators.

Strong high winds and heavy rainfall are a possibility. Check local broadcast networks for updates.

It is important to prepare emergency kits that include enough supplies for 72 hours. Information on emergency preparedness can be found by clicking here.